Last evening, Superintendent Ed Toman had the pleasure of meeting with WVU Tech President Dr. T. Ramon Stuart and WVU President Dr. Michael Benson. Dr. Benson is planning a tour across West Virginia to connect directly with students and communities, learning about their hopes, goals, and challenges.
Dr. Benson expressed an interest in visiting Mercer County soon to speak with our students — a reflection of their commitment to ensuring that every corner of the Mountain State feels seen, heard, and inspired to pursue higher education. 💙💛
#MercerCountySchools #WVU #WVUTech #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #WestVirginia

Bus 657 is running 20 minutes behind this morning, Wednesday, October 15th. This affects Timberwood, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.
Fun event planned at the Granada Theater in Bluefield!

At tonight’s BOE meeting, Board Member Mark Godfrey was recognized by 4-H’s Sarah Brown as a Friend of 4-H. He proudly represents the Mercer County BOE on the 4-H Board—thank you for supporting our youth!

At tonight’s Mercer County Board of Education meeting, Melrose Elementary parent volunteer Trish Long was recognized as part of the 110% Club for her outstanding dedication and service.
We also celebrated several amazing 4-H students and leaders whose hard work and commitment continue to make a positive impact in our schools and community. Congratulations to all who were honored tonight—you make Mercer County proud!









Please keep the friends and family of Kim Miller in your thoughts.

Training Spotlight
Mercer County Schools’ Elementary Supervisors, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ernie Adkins, and principals Emily Smith, Kelli Stanley, and LaCosta Hodges are leading professional learning sessions for K–3 Teachers and Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers focused on “Lessons from the Mouse.”
Based on principles from former Disney leader Dennis Snow, this training explores how Disney’s legendary approach to service and experience can be applied in classrooms—helping teachers create engaging, consistent, and joyful learning environments for every child.
By focusing on the “guest experience” through a student’s eyes, teachers learn how preparation, positivity, and small, meaningful gestures can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary moments of learning and connection.
#ProfessionalLearning #LessonsFromTheMouse #LoveMyWVSchool
Mercer County Schools’ Elementary Supervisors, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ernie Adkins, and principals Emily Smith, Kelli Stanley, and LaCosta Hodges are leading professional learning sessions for K–3 Teachers and Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers focused on “Lessons from the Mouse.”
Based on principles from former Disney leader Dennis Snow, this training explores how Disney’s legendary approach to service and experience can be applied in classrooms—helping teachers create engaging, consistent, and joyful learning environments for every child.
By focusing on the “guest experience” through a student’s eyes, teachers learn how preparation, positivity, and small, meaningful gestures can turn ordinary lessons into extraordinary moments of learning and connection.
#ProfessionalLearning #LessonsFromTheMouse #LoveMyWVSchool



Mercer County Schools – Staff Training Highlight
Mercer County Schools’ Physical Education Teachers, Health Teachers, Middle School Counselors, and School Nurses participated in Catch My Breath training today — a nationally recognized program designed to prevent vaping and promote healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles among students.
The training provided tools and resources to help educators guide meaningful discussions, strengthen prevention efforts, and support our students in making informed, healthy choices.
Thank you to all who participated for your dedication to student wellness and for helping us build a healthier, safer school community!
#MercerCountySchools #WellnessMatters #CatchMyBreath #VapingPrevention #StudentHealth #HealthyChoices


Pre-K and Elementary Supervisor Amber Riffe and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Amber Bowling recently updated the Central Office Data Wall to reflect our Beginning-of-Year (BOY) benchmark data.
Benchmarking several times a year helps staff identify strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and guide targeted instruction to meet the needs of every student. It’s one more way Mercer County Public Schools keeps teaching and learning data-driven and student-focused!
#DataDriven #InstructionalExcellence #EveryStudentEveryDay #LoveMyWVSchool
Benchmarking several times a year helps staff identify strengths, pinpoint areas for growth, and guide targeted instruction to meet the needs of every student. It’s one more way Mercer County Public Schools keeps teaching and learning data-driven and student-focused!
#DataDriven #InstructionalExcellence #EveryStudentEveryDay #LoveMyWVSchool

Thanks to the GEAR UP SWV grant, our secondary teachers received additional training from Weston Kieschnick, an award-winning educator, author, and national speaker known for helping teachers blend solid instructional practice with purposeful technology use.
We’re excited that Weston will return throughout the school year to continue providing training and support as we work to strengthen teaching and learning across Mercer County Schools.
#GEARUPSWV #ProfessionalDevelopment #LoveMyWVSchool
We’re excited that Weston will return throughout the school year to continue providing training and support as we work to strengthen teaching and learning across Mercer County Schools.
#GEARUPSWV #ProfessionalDevelopment #LoveMyWVSchool







Bus 678 is running 30 minutes late this morning, Friday, October 10th. This affects Spanishburg, PikeView Middle and PikeView High.
School safety starts with preparation: Today, Superintendent Ed Toman and district leaders met with local law enforcement to advance plans required under WV HB 3166, which ensures every school is digitally mapped for faster, coordinated emergency response. #LoveMyWVSchool

Mr. Toman met with Faculty Senate Chairs today at the Seminar Center. These meetings always center on one goal—continuous school improvement and making Mercer County Public Schools the best it can be!

🏐 The PikeView High School Volleyball Team is serving up more than just wins—they’re serving their community!
These student-athletes spent time packing food for the Extra Mile Program, which helps ensure that local students and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals.
Thanks to a partnership with the Mountaineer Food Bank and DoorDash, families receive fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples delivered straight to their doorsteps. What an incredible way to make a difference—both on and off the court! 💪❤️
These student-athletes spent time packing food for the Extra Mile Program, which helps ensure that local students and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals.
Thanks to a partnership with the Mountaineer Food Bank and DoorDash, families receive fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples delivered straight to their doorsteps. What an incredible way to make a difference—both on and off the court! 💪❤️

This week, GEAR UP SWV brought the SAT Bootcamp to PikeView High School — and our students are putting in the work! 💪
Through targeted instruction, strategy sessions, and peer-supported practice, participants are sharpening their skills and boosting their confidence as they gear up for test day. Shoutout to our tutors, staff, and students for making it a success!
We’re rooting for every one of you. 🎯
#GEARUPSWV #SATPrep #CollegeReady #FutureGoals #LoveMyWVSchool
Through targeted instruction, strategy sessions, and peer-supported practice, participants are sharpening their skills and boosting their confidence as they gear up for test day. Shoutout to our tutors, staff, and students for making it a success!
We’re rooting for every one of you. 🎯
#GEARUPSWV #SATPrep #CollegeReady #FutureGoals #LoveMyWVSchool





Today, Superintendent Ed Toman had the pleasure of visiting our Mercer County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Srene Lokay of PikeView High School, and Service Person of the Year, Kim Williams of Bluefield High School.
Both were recognized with a plaque, certificate, and pin from the West Virginia Department of Education in honor of their outstanding service.
Srene and Kim exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence and truly embody all that is good in our schools and in service to the students of Mercer County.
Also pictured are PVHS Principal Anna Lilly and BHS Principal Michael Collins.
#LoveMyWVSchool @wveducation
Both were recognized with a plaque, certificate, and pin from the West Virginia Department of Education in honor of their outstanding service.
Srene and Kim exemplify dedication, compassion, and excellence and truly embody all that is good in our schools and in service to the students of Mercer County.
Also pictured are PVHS Principal Anna Lilly and BHS Principal Michael Collins.
#LoveMyWVSchool @wveducation


Bus 641 is running 10 minutes behind this morning, Tuesday, October 7th. This affects Mountain Valley, Bluefield Middle and Bluefield High.
Instructional Moment Monday!
3–2–1 Let's Check-In Tonight
After school, ask your student to share:
3 things they learned
2 questions they still have
1 action they’ll take tomorrow
This simple routine builds recall, curiosity, and planning—great for any grade!
3–2–1 Let's Check-In Tonight
After school, ask your student to share:
3 things they learned
2 questions they still have
1 action they’ll take tomorrow
This simple routine builds recall, curiosity, and planning—great for any grade!

Bus 644 is running about 25 minutes late this morning, Monday, October 6th. The driver is a substitute, so please have your students out waiting on bus where he can see you. This affects Princeton Primary, Mercer, Princeton Middle and Princeton High.

